Use Common Sense When Driving, Using Cell Phone.

Cell phones are now a part of daily life. In fact, the number of cell phones sold in the United States in some years was higher than the national birth rate for the same period, according to industry statistics. There are numerous benefits to cell phone use. Two-thirds of new cell phone owners listed security measures as their main reason for purchasing a cell phone. Nearly half of all cell phone owners have used their cell phones to report car trouble, medical emergencies, crimes and alleged drunken drivers or reckless drivers, according to an industry report.

Dialing 9-1-1 is a free call for cellular subscribers. Police and emergency management services officials say that in many cases response times have been cut, criminals have been apprehended and lives have been saved because of calls from cell phone users. But is it possible to drive safely while talking on the phone?


Here are some tips for safe cell phone use:

Make safe driving your first priority

Buckle up

Keep your hands on the wheel

Keep your eyes on the road

Position your phone where it is easy to see and reach

Familiarize yourself with the phone's operation while the car is parked

Use a hands-free microphone while driving

Use the speed dial feature for frequently called numbers

Pull over and dial manually

Never take notes while driving; pull off the road if you must read or write

Use voicemail to pick up your calls if it is inconvenient or unsafe to answer
Tips provided by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association

Use common sense

Any task a driver performs while driving is a potential distraction. It is best to use your cell phone when you are stopped, but if you must use your phone while driving, it is important to check traffic conditions before placing a phone call or performing any task. If necessary, wait until conditions improve to make or answer a call. Whenever possible, dial while the car is not in motion, and program frequently used numbers into your phone. If a number is not programmed into memory, dial in short segments, check traffic and dial another segment. Never allow your conversation to distract you from driving and always keep calls brief. Keep your eyes on the road and frequently check the side and rearview mirrors.

Drive safe and buckle up!

— Trooper Tom Taylor